Closure of the store, a long-time anchor of the centre, was attributed to “markets (that) are changing all the time,” Metro spokesperson Jamie Sprules said Friday.

“Business was not profitable for some time,” he said, noting a “significant investment” of $1 million had been put into the Westmount store in a failed bid to turn things around.

“These are difficult decisions.They are not made lightly,” he said.

He noted 12 of the 14 full-timers were unionized as were all part-timers. He said 37 of the 61 employees, who had five years or more of service, would be receiving severance packages.

After Dec. 8, Metro will still have 151 stores in Ontario.

The closure is a blow to the former shopping mall that in recent years has been transformed from a retail fixture to more of a community centre.

When Westmount opened more than 40 years ago the grocery store anchor was a Dominion Store that later became an A & P and more recently a Metro.

Meanwhile, the former Zellers store is being converted to a Target store, a move expected to see the hiring of 150 to 200 staff.

And soon to open its doors is a kidney dialysis centre operated by London Health Sciences Centre expected to attract more than 1,200 patients annually with a staff of 100. An official opening is planned for Oct. 26 followed by patient visits beginning Nov. 5.